A PRESENTATION ON

Experimental Research

Dr R N Patel
Additional Director,
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Types of Research Design

 Correlational
 Field (survey)
 Experimental
 Qualitative
 Meta-analysis
Types of Research Design

 Correlational Study
• Explores or tests relations between
variables
• “Rules out” alternative variables
that could play a role in relations
between variables
 Field
• Studies participants in their
natural setting
• Maximizes realism
Types of Research Design

 Experimental Designs
• Directly establishes cause-effect
nature of relationship between
variables
• Decreases ambiguity
• Laboratory vs. Field
Experiment
• Artificial setting with high
control over variables
Experimental Research Design
Example
Types of Research Design

 Qualitative
• Non-quantitative
• Not necessarily informal data collection
• Examples
• Interview/focus group transcripts
• Some kinds of observational/archival data
• Critical incidents methodology
• Helps in
• Formulating hypotheses
• Deeper/richer understanding of phenomena
• Interpret organization-specific results
Types of Research Design

 Meta Analysis
• Statistically combines results of existing
research to estimate overall size of relation
between variables
• Helps in
• Developing theory
• Identifying research needs,
• Establishing validity/effectiveness of HR
tools
• Can replace large-scale research studies
• Better than literature reviews
Iceberg Principle
• The dashed line separates research (information
generating) from the problem solving process

RESEARCH
PROBLEM-SOLVING
9
 What is an Experiment?
• Research method in which
– conditions are controlled
– so that 1 or more independent variables
– can be manipulated to test a hypothesis
– about a dependent variable.
variable
• Allows
– evaluation of causal relationships among variables
– while all other variables are eliminated or controlled.
Experimental Planning
The key success in the experimental work is to
ask continually:
 What am I looking for?
 Why am I measuring this?
 Does the measuring really answer any of
my questions?
 What does the measurement tell me?
Experimental Planning
 Correct design of Experiments
 Selection of variables
 Selection of measuring instruments
 Calibration of instruments
 Repeatability
 Uncertainty
 Characterisation


MTECH THERMAL ENGG 2009-10

FIRST REVIEW
Experimental Planning
 One should look for following in the initial phase of experimental
planning
 What primary variables shall be investigated?
 What range of primary variables will be necessary to describe the
phenomenon under study?
 How many data points shall be taken?
 What instrument accuracy is required?
 If a dynamic measurement is involved, what frequency response must
the instrument have?
 Are the instruments commercially available?
 What provision is made for recording the data?
 Some Definitions
• Dependent Variable
– Criterion by which the results of the experiment are
judged.
– Variable that is expected to be dependent on the
manipulation of the independent variable
• Independent Variable
– Any variable that can be manipulated, or altered,
independently of any other variable
– Hypothesized to be the causal influence
 Experimental Validity
• Internal Validity
– Indicates whether the independent variable was the
sole cause of the change in the dependent variable
• External Validity
– Indicates the extent to which the results of the
experiment are applicable to the real world
Experimentation as Conclusive Research

Conclusive
Research

Descriptive
Causal

Experimentation

Field Laboratory
Experiments Experiments
 Descriptive and Causal Studies
• Descriptive studies: research studies that answer the
questions who, what, when, where, and how. It primarily
describe what is going on/ what exists.

• Implicit descriptive research is the fact that management

already knows/understands the underlying relationships
among the variables in the problem.
– Variable: a symbol/concept that can assume any one of a set
values.
 Descriptive and Causal Studies
• Causal studies: research that examine whether
the value of one variable causes or determines
the value of another variable.
– Dependent variable: a symbol/concept expected to
be explained or influenced by independent variable.
– Independent variable: a symbol/concept over which
the researcher has some control and that is
hypothesized to cause or influence the dependent
variable.
 Laboratory Versus Field Experiments

FACTOR LABORATORY FIELD

Environment Artificial Realistic

Control High Low

Reactive error High Low

Demand artifacts High Low

Internal validity High Low

External validity Low High

Time Short Long

Number of units Small Large

Ease of implementation High Low

Cost Low High

 Methods
• Provide the reader enough details so they can understand
and replicate your research
• Explain how you studied the problem, identify the
procedures you followed, and order these chronologically
where possible
• Explain new methodology in detail; otherwise name the
method and cite the previously published work
• Include the frequency of observations, what types of data
were recorded, etc.
• Be precise in describing measurements and include errors of
measurement or research design limits
 Materials and Methods
1. Need to provide sufficient detail to allow a reader to
envision what was done and to repeat the procedures
if needed.
2. The difference between trivial and critical details may
depend on the goals of the study.
3. Sub-sections (indicated by subtitles) may be useful for
organization (e.g., field sampling and lab procedures,
etc.).
 Materials and Methods
Some rules:
1. Always use the past tense.
2.Be organized: subheadings can help the reader,
especially if the paper has discrete parts such as lab and
field work, data and models, etc.
 Materials and Methods

Some rules:
1.Always use the past tense.
2.Be organized: subheadings can help the reader, especially if the paper has
discrete parts such as lab and field work, data and models, etc.
3.Subheadings should differ in font and position from major
headings.
 Materials and Methods
Some rules:
1.Always use the past tense.
2.Be organized: subheadings can help the reader, especially if the paper has
discrete parts such as lab and field work, data and models, etc.
3.Subheadings should differ in font and position from major headings.
4.The reader should be able to see, in his or her mind’s eye,
the activity, and should be able to recreate what was done.
This allows readers to decide whether or not what we did
was legitimate, and allows them to replicate the study or
experiment as much as possible. If a reader could not
understand what you did and could not replicate it, there is
insufficient detail.
 Materials and Methods
Some rules:
1.Always use the past tense.
2.Be organized: subheadings can help the reader, especially if the paper
has discrete parts such as lab and field work, data and models, etc.
3.Subheadings should differ in font and position from major headings.
4.The reader should be able to see, in his or her mind’s eye, the activity,
and should be able to recreate what was done. This allows readers to
decide whether or not what we did was legitimate, and allows them to
replicate the study or experiment as much as possible. If a reader could
not understand what you did and could not replicate it, there is insufficient
detail.
5.How much detail is too much? It depends on the nature
of the study. What is trivial for one study may be essential
for another. Date and time, place, etc., can all be
important or not.
 Selecting the Sampling Procedure
• A sample is subset from a larger population.

• Several questions must be answered before a

sampling procedure is selected.
1. The population/universe of interest must be defined
2. Whether to use a probability sample or
nonprobability sample
 Collecting Data
• Interview-based data collection is done by
marketing research field services.

• To ensure that all subcontractors do everything

exactly the same way, detailed field instructions
should be developed to every job.
 Analyzing the Data
• The purpose of this analysis is to interpret and
draw conclusions from mass of collected data.

• The marketing researcher may use a variety of

techniques for the analysis.
 Results
• Objectively present your findings, and explain what was
found
• Show that your new results are contributing to the body
of scientific knowledge
• Follow a logical sequence based on the tables and
figures presenting the findings to answer the question or
hypothesis
• Figures should have a brief description (a legend),
providing the reader sufficient information to know how
the data were produced
 The Results Section
• The core of the paper
• Often includes tables, figures, or both
• Should summarize findings rather than providing data in
great detail
• Should use past tense
• Should present results but not comment on them
• (Note: Some journals, however, combine the results
section and the discussion.)
 Results Sections of Papers
with Tables or Figures
• How much should the information in the text
overlap that in the tables and figures?
– Not extensive overlap
– In general, text should present only the main points
from the tables and figures
– Perhaps also include a few of the most important data
• Remember to mention each table or figure. Do
so as soon as readers might want to see it.
Tables and Figures:
Some Basics
 Tables: A Few Suggestions
• Use tables only if text will not suffice.
• Design tables to be understandable without the
text.
• Organize each table in a logical way.
• If a paper includes a series of tables, use the
same format for each.
• Be sure to follow the instructions to authors.
 Figures: A Few Suggestions
• Use figures (graphs, diagrams, maps,
photographs, etc) only if they will help convey
your information.
• Avoid including too much information in one
figure.
• Make sure any lettering will be large enough
once published.
• Follow the journal’s instructions.
 Discussion/Conclusion

• Describe what your results mean in context of what

was already known about the subject
• Indicate how the results relate to expectations and to
the literature previously cited
• Explain how the research has moved the body of
scientific knowledge forward
• Do not extend your conclusions beyond what is directly
supported by your results - avoid undue speculation
• Outline the next steps for further study
Methodology of Experimentation

 Experimental Performance and Exhaust Analysis of diesel

engine using jatropha bio diesel with bio additive.
 Bio fuels are
 Diesel as a base fuel
 Bio diesel (Derived from Jatropha oil), Bio additive (Diethyl ether)
 Bio diesel(up to 30% in step of 5%), bio additive(up to 5% in step of
1%) and diesel blends
 Load condition: no load, 0.6 kg, 3 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, 12 kg
 Compression Ratio:-18
 Table 1 shows various combinations of bio diesel, additive and diesel used
as a fuel in C.I. Engine. B20A4 means 4% DEE, 20% bio diesel and 76% of
diesel.
Table 1: Experimentation Table

Bio diesel blend Additive in % Load condition

B5
B10
0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 25%, 50%, 75%,
B15
5% 100%
B20
B25
B30
 Design of Experimentation – Test Matrix
Variable
Variable
Total Reading parameter
Concentra Optimize Variable parameter Endurance
for Engine (Ignition
Supplementary Load statistical Optimize tion Blend parameter (Injection test for most
Sr No. performance timing)
fuel condition Analysis Blend of Bio With (Compressi pressure) optimize blend
and Exhaust
Additives additives on Ratio) (LCA)
emission Before
kgf/cm2
TDC

Part B
Part A Part C
Parametric
Optimization of Blend As per IS :10000 Part VIII LCA
Optimization
5% 0

25%
1%
1 B5 50% 3 15
75%
2%
100%
16 150 180
1 3% 1 1
2 B10 -do- -do- 15 17 200 190
3 B15 -do- -do- 15 18 250 200
4%
4 B20 -do- -do- 15
5 B25 -do- -do- 15
5%
6 B30 -do- -do- 15
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Measurement of properties

 Performance of the I. C. Engine strongly depends upon the

physicochemical properties of the fuel. In this work, various
properties of fuels have been measured in the laboratory.
 In the present work density and calorific value of fuels have been
measured in the laboratory.
(1) Density measurement:-
 The important chemical property of the fuel,
 Calculated by weighing machine.
 In a beaker certain amount of fuel is taken. Weight of beaker without
fuel and with fuel is carried on weighing machine.
 Difference of two readings gives the value of mass of fuel. By using
mass and volume, density is calculated.
Figure 1
(2) Calorific value measurement
 A bomb calorimeter is an apparatus used for measuring heats of
combustion. Bomb calorimeter provides a simple, inexpensive yet
accurate method for determination of heat of combustion and the
sulfur contents of liquid and solid hydrocarbons and other fuels.

 A sample is weighted and placed in a heavy-duty stainless steel

cylinder referred to as “Bomb”. The bomb is then sealed with oxygen
and the sample is ignited electrically. The complex oxidation of the
compound releases heat and this is measured through the temperature
change of the water bath surrounding the bomb. A digital sensor
measures the rise in temperature. The heat of combustion at constant
volume can be calculated from the resulting rise in temperature.
 Calorific value of sample = ((T * W) - (C.V. of Thread + C.V. of Wire)) / M

Figure 2
(3) Computerized engine test rig – Experimental Set up

Figure 3
Components used in test rig

1. Eddy current dynamometer

2. Kirlosker single cylinder engine
3. Load indicator
4. Injection fuel pressure sensor
5. Load adjusting knob
6. Rotameter
7. Cylinder pressure sensor
8. Fuel indicator
Table 2. Engine setup specification

ENGINE 1 CYL, 4 Stroke, Water cooled, Stroke 110mm, bore

87.5mm
Diesel mode Power 3.5kw
C.R. range 12.1-18.1
Speed 1500 rpm
Injection Variation 0-25 Deg BTDC
Dynamometer Eddy current type, water cooled, with loading unit
Calorimeter Type Pipe in Pipe
Rotameter Engine cooling 40-400 LPH ,Calorimeter 25-250 LPH
Piezo sensor Combustion Range 5000 PSI, with low noise cable
Crank Angle Sensor Resolution 1 deg, speed 5500 rpm with TDC pulse
Temperature Sensor Type RTD,PT100 and Thermocouple, TYPE K
Load Sensor Load cell, type strain gauge, range 0-50 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 15 LIT
Software ENGINESOFT, engine performance analysis software
(4) Emission measurement

 Five gas analyzer is used for measurement of Carbon monoxide,

Carbon dioxide, Un-Burnt Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen oxide and unused
oxygen. In this tube one end is connected to the analyzer and the
other end is connected at the end of the exhaust gas outlet.

Figure 4
Uncertainty Analysis
Error analysis on commonsense basis
 Uncertainty in experimental analysis is due to instrument accuracy,
Competence of user, etc.
 Our interest is to see uncertainty in final result due to uncertainties in
primary measurements.
 Thumb rule- uncertainty in final result is max error in any parameter
used.
 Another common sense analysis would combine all the errors in the
most detrimental way in order to calculate the max error in final
result.
Uncertainty Analysis (contd..)
 Example: Calculation of electric power P=EI
Where E=100V±2 V and I= 10A ± 0.2A
Nominal value of power is 1000W
By taking the worst possible variations in voltage and current
Pmax=(100+2)(10+0.2)=1040.2 W
Pmin=(100-2)(10-0.2)=960.4 W
 With this uncertainty in P is +4.04% and -3.96%. This is very
unlikely that power would be in error by these amounts as the
voltmeter may read an extreme “high” at that particular instant there
is no reason that the ammeter must also read an extreme “high”
Uncertainty Analysis (contd..)
 The simple calculations applied in above problem is a useful way of
inspecting experimental data to know what error could result in a
final calculation.
 However, the test is too severe and should be only used for rough
inspection of the data.
 If the results of the experiments appear to be in error by more than the
amounts indicated by above calculations, better examinations in the
experimental procedure is required, like looking for certain fixed
errors in the instrumentations
 This commonsense analysis is intended as a quick check which may
be used to examine experimental data and results for gross errors and
variations.
Hypothesis
 Ordinarily hypothesis simply means a mere assumption or
some supposition to be proved or disproved.
 For a researcher- it may be defined as a proposition set forth
as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of
phenomenon accepted as highly probable in the light of established
facts.
 Research hypothesis is a predictive statement, capable of
being tested by scientific methods, that relates an
independent variable to some dependent variable.
Characteristics of hypothesis
 Should be clear and precise
 Should be capable of being tested
 Should state relationship between variables
 Should be limited in scope and be specific
 Should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms so
that same is easily understandable by all concerned
 Should be consistent with all known facts
 Hypothesis Testing
Important parametric tests used for testing or hypothesis are:

z-test
t-test
x2 test
F-test
Procedure for Testing of Hypothesis

State the null hypothesis as well as alternate hypothesis

Establish a level of significance (prior to sampling)
Choosing a suitable test statistic
 Research Problem Identification

• This is the most critical and important part of all

research projects.
• The problem is the focus of both basic and applied
research. It is the reason (justification) for the
research.
• The problem identification and explanation affect the
quality, usefulness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the
research, more than any other part of the research plan.

53
 Researchable Problem vs.
Problematic Situation
• The researchable problem is the very specific problem
at which the objectives of the research are directed.
• It can be understood by contrasting it with the general
problem, also called a problematic situation.
• Problematic situations are very large in scope and have
many dimensions.
eg. World food (or hunger), Low incomes in
developing countries, High birth rates, Low education
levels, Restrictive trade policies, unemployment

54
THANK YOU
 Coefficient Of Determination (r2 )
The square of the coefficient of correlation (r) is called the
Coefficient Of Determination (r2 )
It is more precise measure of the straight relationship
between the two variables and lends it self to more precise
interpretation because it can be represented as a proportion or as a
percentage
 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
ANOVA enables us to infer whether population from
which we have drawn more then two sample are having the
same mean value
Without going into the trouble of considering all possible
combinations of population, ANOVA technique enables the
researcher to investigate the mean differences of all the
populations simultaneously.
Ways to reduce uncertainty

P1 T1

flow

1 2
ΔP